Brussels, 27 October 2011 - The European Commission has today asked Hungary to adopt national legislation on driving licences in accordance with its obligations under European Union law. The Commission's request takes the form of a reasoned opinion under EU infringement procedures. If Hungary fails to inform the Commission within two months of measures taken to ensure full compliance with the directive in this respect, the Commission could refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.

The EU rules

Directive 2006/126/ECupdates Directive 91/439/EC on driving licences, for example by introducing new driving licence categories and a harmonised period of validity of the driving licence document. The new rules introduced by this directive will help to reduce the possibility of fraud, guarantee true freedom of movement for EU drivers, and reinforce safety on European roads.

The reason for today's action

Hungary still has not transposed this directive into national law, although it was required to do so by 19 January 2011.

The practical effect of non-implementation

This directive is essential as it guarantees mutual recognition of driving licences within the EU, including recognition of the new driving licence categories. Not implementing this directive could affect road safety and make it difficult for Hungarians to exchange their licence for one from another EU Member State, or for other Europeans to exchange their driving licence for a Hungarian one in Hungary.